24 Hours in Taipei with the Redmi 4 Prime

24 Hours is a series on GadgetMatch.com where we showcase our travels through a smartphone camera’s perspective. It’s also a documented guide on things to see and do in a city in case you happen to plan a trip there.

For someone whose priority in taking photos is to make sure they look good on Instagram, I rarely tinker with a phone camera’s manual settings to achieve more professional-looking shots. After all, Instagram is all about capturing life’s moments as they happen. Especially when you’re exploring a new city, there’s really not enough time to adjust your exposure and ISO, let alone fit everything you want to do in such a short period of time.

I took one of our favorite budget phones, the Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime, to a New Year’s Eve celebration in Taipei to see how the phone fares.

New Year’s Eve at Taipei 101

We watched the fireworks show at one of the hotels beside Taipei 101, and boy was it amazing! Although it was shorter than I expected, and navigating the crowd was quite difficult even hours before the countdown, the way it was designed to mix with lights coming out of the skyscraper’s windows left me in awe and wanting more.

Taipei 101, as millennials used to say in 2016, was lit af that night. I didn’t expect much from a phone that costs less than $200, so I was quite surprised at how the Redmi 4 Prime was able to capture these shots.

Spirited Away in Jiufen

This famous tea house in Jiufen, a 90-minute bus ride from Taipei, is said to be the inspiration for the bath house in the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.

It’s picturesque no matter the time of day. I’ve been here at night on a previous trip, but seeing it against Taiwan’s blue skies is quite an experience, too. I turned HDR on to achieve said blue skies without making the tea house too dark.

It worked well on portraits, too!

Yehliu Geopark

Around 40 minutes away from Jiufen is Yehliu Geopark. I’ve seen plenty of gloomy photos taken here in the past, so I’d say we’re pretty #blessed to have great weather when we went there.

Sleeplessness did not stop us from taking photos that day. Here’s a selfie!

I’m still blown away by how this photo turned out! Props to my friend for looking like a professional model, but wow. Who’d believe an inexpensive phone can take a photo like this? The best part was we didn’t have to do multiple takes under that sunlight. I tapped the shutter way too early in the first shot, but nailed this fashion spread material on the second try.

teamLab exhibit at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Huashan 1914 Creative Park is one of those things I wish we had in Manila. It’s a former winery restored and converted into an art space and is a good place to hang out with your friends, or even a date. Wink.

Of the six times I’ve been to Taipei, I visited Huashan three times, but never really paid so much attention to the exhibits and events. That day though, we were lucky enough to chance upon teamLab’s exhibit that I kept seeing on Instagram when my friends went to Tokyo a few months ago.

The exhibit was an immersive digital art jungle for kids and adults alike. While it was a lot of fun, it was here where I saw the Redmi 4 Prime struggle for the first time, since all the sections in the exhibit were dark so one can fully experience the colors and lights in the kaleidoscopic universe teamLab made. The phone had a hard time taking clear and sharp photos, especially with so much movement going on everywhere.

We tried to take a selfie inside, but with the help of my friend’s LuMee case.

We enjoyed the exhibit so much that we stayed there for almost three hours, but that was also partly because it became difficult to properly document the experience with the Redmi 4 Prime.

Chiang Kai-shek memorial

Our last stop was the Chiang Kai-shek memorial just a few hours before our flight. The results weren’t the best.

To say that I’m not a fan of how this turned out is an understatement.

Verdict

The Redmi 4 Prime set the bar so high during the day and left me disappointed come night time. The amazing photos it took made me proud and wonder how such a cheap device can make something look so good. But when it didn’t, reality hit me and reminded me that I needed to manage my expectations considering how much the phone costs.

Photos taken in daylight were consistently great, but those in low light were a hit or miss. When the trip is best enjoyed during daytime, say, the beach, the Redmi 4 Prime would be good for it. But for cities like Taipei, where some of the most exciting activities (read: night market) happen at night, you might want to look elsewhere.

24 Hours in Amsterdam with the Samsung Galaxy S9

From chilly Barcelona for Mobile World Congress, I hopped on a plane to an even colder Amsterdam. I had a day to explore the infamous city in Netherlands and I wasted no time in doing so. I carefully curated these spots to make sure I get to know the city as much as possible in the short amount of time I was staying.

Of course, everything in this series is recorded through the lens of the Samsung Galaxy S9.

What you get yourself into and how to go around

Amsterdam, at this time of year, is cold. Temperatures reached a record-breaking low in Europe last week, and Amsterdam was no exception. Be sure to pack layers and layers if you visit soon — this was me simultaneously freezing and trying to be cute for a selfie.

Other than the miserable cold (excuse the bitterness as I am a tropical island girl by heart), the days were bright and nice, and the sun shone brightly, which made for perfect cityscape photos.

Oh, and did I mention the birds? There were pigeons everywhere — perfect to test the S9’s slow-mo video feature. And yes, I ran after the bird to get this shot.

The first order of business is deciding what your mode of transportation is. Amsterdam is an incredibly walkable city that’s also known for its big bicycle culture. And though it may seem like a no-brainer to rent a bike and cycle through, this isn’t an advisable option for tourists who are unfamiliar with local bike etiquette.

You can get a transport day pass for EUR 7.50 and this includes buses and trams (but not the trains) for 24 hours, which should suffice for your day tour.

Leidseplein

We headed to Leidseplein (doesn’t this word remind you of Led Zeppelin?) which is an area that houses stores, cafes, and restaurants.

Walking around this area will give you a feel of the city.

These canals are part of the city’s identity. Built throughout the centuries to reclaim land, these UNESCO World Heritage sites are a definite must-see. Canal tours are also popular, though during my time there, the water was partly frozen because of the cold.

Feel free to stop at any of these restaurants or cafes for a quick snack or beer.

Bloemenmarkt

Our sightseeing on foot brought us to Bloemenmarkt, home to the local flower market. Amsterdam is known for its flower gardens — the perfect destination late March through May when they’re in bloom. We were too early for that spectacle, though we got a small dose of what that could look like here.

This street was lined with tulip blooms and bulbs ready for planting. It was a beautiful sight!

We spotted a Cheese Museum on this row and our curiosity brought us inside. The walls had lines of different cheeses, and the best part? We got to sample a number of their offerings.

We left with four different types of cheese and a tummy full from that taste test.

Museumplein

To get to Museumplein — home of Amsterdam’s most popular museums — ride the tram and get off the Rijksmuseum stop.

If you have time, you can walk inside a number of museums in the area, but not without taking some snaps along the way.

Another bird that just got into my frame 😱

In the vicinity, there’s Rijksmuseum which is a Dutch Art and History Museum. The Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, is also within walking distance.

The Modern Contemporary (MOCO) Museum Amsterdam is in the area, as well. During our time, they had an exhibit on works of British graffiti artist Banksy.

Although I didn’t have time to go inside any of them, the area itself is beautiful — perfect for a leisurely stroll as you try to soak in the culture from the majestic museum buildings you didn’t really visit.

Red light district

Amsterdam at night is a different animal.

Of course, I didn’t want to leave without checking out the red light district. I hopped on the bus and went down Dam station. From here, you could walk through the historic part of town to the more adventurous side of Amsterdam.

Evening visits are more ideal so you could enjoy the neon signs and soak up the exciting atmosphere. Restaurants, cafes, and kinky shops are common sights here. And yes, there really are women in glass windows. No, I didn’t take photos. Be warned: This place is more colorful than this picture purports it to be.

Honestly, Amsterdam has so much more to offer: windmill villages, tulip fields, a sex museum… 👀

But, I had to hop on a plane before I could check out all these other attractions. My trip was short and sweet, but it didn’t make it any less interesting.

24 Hours is a series on GadgetMatch.com where we showcase our travels through a smartphone camera’s perspective. It’s also a documented guide on things to see and do in a city in case you happen to plan a trip there.

24 Hours in Phnom Penh with the Vivo V7

Phnom Penh is such an underrated city. If you ask any tourist which Southeast Asian destination he or she would love to visit, the Cambodian capital will probably not even be on the list.

The more popular Siem Reap with its glorious Angkor Wat complex is usually what comes to mind first when talking about Cambodia.

But there’s something so special about Phnom Penh. Perhaps the fact that there are fewer tourists here, despite the history and similarities it shares with its French Indochina neighbors is what makes me root for it more.

Feel Good breakfast

Breakfast burrito and pancakes with a twist

Mornings are made for great breakfast food and coffee. Cold brew is still not as common in Southeast Asia as I’d like, but most cafes in Phnom Penh like Feel Good Coffee make their cup of joe the way they also do in Vietnam: with a metal drip and a splash of sweetened condensed milk.

Walking around the neighborhood gives you a quick feel of what modern-day Phnom Penh is like. It’s reminiscent of the bustling cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh and even Bangkok — lining every street are parked scooters and vendors selling iced beverages including my favorite Thai iced tea!

Choeung Ek killing fields

Prepare for a long ride out of the city proper!

40 minutes from the city proper is the Choeung Ek memorial, a must if you’re visiting Phnom Penh. Tip: Hire a rickshaw or tuktuk to take you there and then back, although the newer rickshaws are cheaper, a lot more comfortable, and feel safer than the latter.

There are no words to describe how disturbing Cambodia’s history is — a very recent one at that. No more than 40 years ago, a quarter of the Khmer population — mostly people from Phnom Penh — were murdered by its own government for the promise of a utopian future.

Today, Cambodia tells the gruesome stories of the Khmer Rouge victims and survivors — some of them younger than my own parents — through memorials like the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center.

Around the memorial are benches where you can sit and listen to the audioguide in peace.

They are built to remind the new generation to not make the same mistakes and to embrace the freedom that they enjoy today.

Uy Kuyteav

Phnom Penh is home to a lot of good restaurants that serve local cuisine at a reasonable price.

While Khmer food staples lok lak and fish amok are easy to find, the noodle dish uy kuy teav isn’t exactly as popular. It’s not rare to see Vietnamese and Thai food in the menu as well.

Wat Phnom

If you must visit one temple in the city, it’s got to be the tallest one. Inside the Wat Phnom complex is also a huge park where you can relax and reflect.

Shopping at Central Market

On our way to the Central Market!

Cambodia isn’t exactly known for the unique shopping finds unlike Thailand’s Chatuchak Market, but a lot of your favorite clothing brands have products made in Phnom Penh. So you’ll find good deals on quality overruns from Levi’s, H&M, and Nike in the different markets around the city.

Central Market, also referred to as Psar Thmei, is the biggest one, with stalls selling not just clothes, but also jewelry, kitchen tools, and of course, food!

The market is one of the few landmarks that will remind you of Cambodia’s colonial history. It was one of, if not the biggest market in Asia when it was built in 1937 during the French colonial period.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

If you still have time, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum before sunset for more insight on the Khmer Rouge brutality.

The Tuol Svay Prey High School was converted into the largest detention center from 1975 to 1979 when Pol Pot’s army took over Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia; former classrooms became interrogation rooms, torture chambers, and prison cells.

Phnom Penh Riverside

It’s bound to get hot in Phnom Penh even in February so you might want to pack an extra top and change in the middle of the day

Phnom Penh sits at the intersection of Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers. You can enjoy the view from the Riverside Park with a refreshing cup of iced Ceylon tea.

Across the park are restaurants and bars. Some of them have rooftops for a better view of the river.

Romantic dinner at Romdeng

End the day at Romdeng, a restaurant run by an NGO that trains locals in hospitality management and supports the marginalized.

Their version of Cambodia’s national dish fish amok is especially tasty!

Cambodia is on a long road to recovery from the horrors of its past, but its capital and people do not forget; they remember. And despite everything they have been through, they remain steadfast — filled with so much hope and kindness — and we could all learn a thing or two from them.

24 Hours is a series on GadgetMatch.com where we showcase our travels through a smartphone camera’s perspective. It’s also a documented guide on things to see and do in a city in case you happen to plan a trip there.

24 Hours in Koh Rong with the Samsung Galaxy A8+ (2018)

Koh Rong has been pretty much untouched and unknown to most tourists until very recently.

Getting to this beautiful island in Cambodia is no easy feat. There are very few flights that go to Sihanoukville, the jump-off point for the speed boats that will take you to the island itself.

The cheapest and fastest option that I found is to fly to Phnom Penh from Bangkok, and take the bus to Sihanoukville from there that lasts four to six hours depending on traffic. The return ticket for a speed boat to Koh Rong costs around US$ 25, depending on which beach you choose to stay at.

Koh Rong is a pretty big island so there’s something meant for all kinds of travelers — families, couples, friends, and backpackers. Our beach of choice is the quiet one, Coconut Beach, but whichever part of the island you choose, the beach looks pretty much the same.

You’ll get the same clear blue water…

And fine white sand…

That’s perfect for walking barefoot!

The Galaxy A8+ (2018) captures the fine white sand really well up close

Did I say the water is so clear? This is the stuff made for Instagram!

Whether you’re there for three days, one week, or even longer, there’s plenty to do at the island including snorkeling and kayaking.

You can also rent a scooter to go to other beaches although only the locals and very few tourists choose this option to get around. There are very few developments on the island for now — no paved roads, airports, or big buildings yet.

Accommodations consist mostly of nipa bungalows and tents owned by foreigners who moved to Cambodia.

Closest to Coconut Beach is Long Set Beach. It’s bigger and has fewer tourists when we visited but accommodations and food are also a little bit more expensive.

Pura Vita is one of the resorts at Long Set Beach that also has a restaurant at the beachfront.

Here’s a fullscreen selfie with Live Focus turned on

My favorite thing, whether I’m on vacation or just in the office working, is food. I have been to Cambodia before so I’m a little more familiar with Khmer cuisine now. Beef lok lak with rice and a glorious runny fried egg is my favorite.

Here it’s served with fries and the traditional Kampot pepper dip. Another thing to try is Cambodia’s national dish, fish amok.

As any beach destination, fresh fruits are a great afternoon snack to get a little refreshed and a dose of energy.

Khmer dishes are also highly influenced by Lao, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisines, so don’t be surprised if you find beef lab and spring rolls on the menu.

The Galaxy A8+ (2018) takes photos with great color reproduction

There are already plans of developing beaches of Koh Rong into luxury resorts, so traveling there will be much easier as the demand goes higher.

Sun-kissed in Koh Rong

So if you’re the type who likes a little adventure and just chilling at the beach without the luxuries of modern life, put Koh Rong on your list of places to visit in 2018 before the big corporations take over the island.